IDF Intelligence Head: Expect Regional Instability

In his annual evaluation of the state of Israel's security in the Middle East, the head of IDF Intelligence, General Aviv Kochavi, said Monday that the region was becoming more unstable, and that the instability would likely affect Israel. “Israel will have to deal with a more unstable, more tense, and more Islamist environment, that will be experiencing more crises, both internal and external.” These crises could lead, whether intentionally or not, to confrontations between Israel and countries in the region, Kochavi said.

The annual presentation to top IDF officials is designed to enable them to draw up plans to meet challenges that Israel is likely to face in the coming year. The evaluation was attended by top security officials.